Tubular carton

ABSTRACT

A paperboard tubular carton has circular end closures or lids engaged within both ends of its tubular wall. The lids are removably engaged in identations between laterally spaced pairs of projections disposed a short distance within the ends of the walls. The projections and indentations are provided in a slotted extension band of the tubular wall folded and attached within the ends. The portions of the band coextensive with the slots bow inwardly to provide the indentations which receive the lid. Inclined score lines in the band at the ends of the slots help concentrate the inward bowing in the vicinity of the slots. Additional strength and security are provided by stapling a pair of diametrically opposite tabs from the lids within the edges of the tubular walls. Positioning of the tabs and staples on the lines, at which the tube is folded flat before assembly, holds the creased parts round. A small perforated section around one tab is separated by the purchaser to make the remainder of the lid removable from the bowed indentations about a hinge provided by the other tab. Holes in the small section of the lid facilitate separation of the lid sections and carrying. Tapering of the tube facilitates stack nesting of the cartons on top of each other.

Reisman [111] 3,820,685 1 June28, 1974 I I TUBULAR CARTON [76] Inventor: Howard Reisman, c/o J. Reisman &

Sa tmsaukcn. NJ:

22 Filed: 0a.30, 1972 211 Appl. No.: 302,264

[52] U. S. Cl.... 2 0 6/508 229/56, 229/58, I l I 2 /51. Bt 22 .I2. Q:..,L [51] Int. Cl..... 865d 5/06, B65d 21/00, B65d 21/02 [58] Field of Search 229/55, 5.7, 5.8, 5.6,

229/45, 21, 43, 23 BT, DIG. 11,41 B, 41 C; 206/4532; 220/97 R 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 702,776 6/1902 Clement 229/5.5 827,984 8/1906 Maxwell et a1. 229/55 l/l960 Canada 206/4532 Primary Examiner-William 1. Price Assistant Examiner-Bruce H. Bernstein Attorney, Agent, or Firn1Conn o11y and Hutz 5 7] ABSTRACT A paperboard tubular carton has circular end closures or lids engaged within both ends of its tubular wall. The lids are removably engaged in identations between laterally spaced pairs of projections disposed a short distance within the ends of the walls. The projections and indentations are provided in a slotted extension band of the tubular wall folded and attached within the ends. The portions of the band coextensive with the slots bow inwardly to provide the indentations which receive the lid. Inclined score lines in the band at the ends of the slots help concentrate the inward bowing in the vicinity of the slots. Additional strength and security are provided by stapling a pair of diametrically opposite tabs from the lids within the edges of the tubular walls. Positioning of the tabs and staples on the lines, at which the tube is folded flat before assembly, holds the creased parts round. A small perforated section around one tab is separated by the purchaser to make the remainder of the lid removable A from the bowed indentations about a hinge provided by the other tab. Holes in the small section of the lid facilitate separation of the lid sections and carrying. Tapering of the tube facilitates stack nesting of the cartons on top of each other.

TUBULAR CARTON BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION lar portion of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a modification of the em- Tubular containers of fairly stiff flexible sheet matebocliment shown in FIG. 1-7;

rial, such as thin paperboard, are widely used for packaging bagged snack food articles, such as pretzels and potato chips. Such packaged foods are highly competitive and economy of packaging is critically important, but the packaging must withstand normal handling shock and should deter pilferage of its contents. An object of this invention is to provide a simple and economical tubular carton for packaging light articles. Another object is to provide such a carton which is substantially shockproof and which prevents pilferage of its contents.

SUMMARY A simple and economical tubular carton includes a lid of fairly stiff but flexible sheet material engaged within indentations between pairs of laterally spaced projections disposed a short distance within the end of the tubular wall of the carton. A lid and such projections may be provided at both ends of the carton. The projections and indentations may advantageously be provided by a band of slotted sheet material having a length at least as long as the developed length of the portion of the tubular wall to which it is attached. Intermediate portions of the band between the slots are disposed in contact within the tubular wall. The portions of the band coextensive with the slots bow inwardly to provide spaced pairs of projections. Such a band may be conveniently provided by a slotted extension flap of the tubular wall folded and attached within its end. Inclined score lines in the band at the ends of the slots help concentrate the inward bowing to the vicinity of the slots. Additional strength, security and roundness, are provided by stapling a pair of diametrically opposite tabs from the lids within the edges of the tubular walls and preferably on former fold lines. A small perforated section around one tab is separated by the purchaser to make the remainder of the lid removable from the bowed indentations about a hinge provided by the other tab. Holes in the small section of the lid facilitate separation of the lid sections and carrying. Tapering of the tubes facilitates stack nesting of the cartons on top of each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from a reading of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference characters refer to similar parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view in elevation of a tubular carton which is one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a full sized top plan view of an interlocked lid and end portion of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view in elevation of the full sized portion shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 4 along the line 55;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 4 along the line 66;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 in conjunction with a carrying hand;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 after the two sections of the lid have been separated from each other;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 8 along the line 1lll;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 8 along the line 12-12;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the layout for a lid for the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8l2 before it is inserted into place;

FIG. 14 is a view in elevation of several of another embodiment of this invention stack nested on top of each other;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 8, ofa further embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 15 along the line 16-16.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. l-7

In FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown a tubular carton of fairly stiff flexible sheet material, such as light paperboard (0.020 inch thick), suitable for packaging a bagged snack food product, such as pretzels or potato chips. Carton 10 includes lid 12 removably flexibly engaged within ends 14 by engagement between pairs of laterally spaced projections 16 and 17 more clearly shown in FIGS. 3-6. Lid 12 is for example, somewhat heavier paperboardwhich is 0.060 inch thick.

As shown in FIGS. 36, projections are formed within band 18 which is an extension or flap of tubular wall 20 of carton l0 folded within ends 14 of carton 10. Band 18 has a supplemental end flap 22 folded inwardly between it and tubular wall 20 for stiffening band 18 and firming inner projection 17 as later de scribed. Band 18 is adhered within wall 20 by suitable adhesive and it also strengthens and stiffens ends 14 of carton 10.

Prior to folding band 18 within tubular wall 20, a row of parallel slots 24 are cut into it. Inwardly inclined score lines 26 are also provided between the ends of slots 24 and the remote sides of band 18. When tubular wall 20 is formed in its ultimate cylindrical shape, band 18 being of the same length as the developed length of tubular wall 20 but of an ultimately smaller circumferential length, has more material than can be accommodated within its ultimate circumference. The portions of band 18 on both sides of or coextensive with slots 24, therefore bow inwardly to form outer projections 16, inner projections 17 and indentations therebetween corresponding to slots 24. The stiff edge provided by supplemental flap 22 helps maintain inner projection 17 bowed inwardly.

Lids 12 have a diameter slightly less than the inside diameter within cylindrical band 18 and therefore freely engage within it. Lids 12 also freely snap over the tapered configuration of outer projections 16 to securely but flexibly and removably engage within indentations or slots 24. The flexibility of lids l2 permit them to easily be deformed out of and removed from slots or indentations 24 when grasped by a handle in lids l2 conveniently provided through tab 27.

Tab 27 has joined end 28 scored from lid 12 and rounded end 30 perforated for separating free of lid 12. The unsealed nature of carton does not cause spoilage of the contents because they are sealed within bags (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) packaged within carton 10.

FIGS. 8-13 In FIGS. 843 is shown a modified carton 10A in which lid 12A (as shown in FIG. 13) includes a pair of substantially rectangular tabs 32A segregated from the circular portion of lid 12A by score lines 34A. FIGS. 8-10 show lid 12A engaged within indentations 24A in the same manner as described for carton 10 with the added fastening of tabs 32A within ends 14A of carton 10A by staples 36A. This strengthens carton 10A against shock especially when lids 12A at both ends of carton 10A are thus positively fastened. This positive fastening also prevents pilferage or replacement of contents of the carton with more expensive goods in a supermarket, which could be accomplished through the loosely engaged lids 12 of carton 10.

FIGS. 9 and 10 also illustrate bag 38A, for example of polyethylene, within which the contents (not shown) of carton 10A are packed to preserve them during storage. Food products such as pretzels and potato chips are thus maintained fresh for use over extended shelf life even though cartons 10 and 10A are not air tight.

FIGS. 8-10 show how lid 12A includes a larger section 40A and a smaller section 42A connected by a perforated junction 44A, each including a tab 32A. Smaller lid section 42A includes a pair of finger holes 46A to facilitate carrying of the closed carton in the hand 48A of a purchaser, as shown in FIG. 9.

To obtain access to the contents of carton 10A, the purchaser breaks perforated junction 44A and separates lid sections 40A and 42A from each other as shown in FIG. 10. Larger section 40A rotates about score line 44A of its tab 32A to serve as a swinging lid which may be engaged within indentations 24A to substantially reclose lid 12A. The space left by inwardly dropped lid section 42A thereafter provides a convenient carrying handle for carton 10A.

FIGS. 11 and 12 shown how band 18A includes a full inner flap 22A to provide three complete thicknesses of paperboard in the vicinity of band 18A thus strengthening it and its bowed indentations 24A. These three thicknesses, of for example 0.020 inch thick paperboard, provide a combined thickness of 0.060 inch paperboard similar to the approximate thickness of lid 12A.

FIG. 14

stack nesting of cartons 108. The taper may also be in a reversedirection to nest smaller tops within larger bottoms.

FIGS. 15 and 16 FIGS. 15 and 16 are similar to FIGS. 8 and 9 with the exception that staples 38B and tabs 32B are secured to the portion of tubular walls 208 along fold lines 548 about which tubular walls 208 are collapsed flat as shown in FIG. 7. The securement of tubular wall 20B at lines 548 to tabs 32B and lids 12B maintains assembled tubular wall 20B substantially round in cross section and prevents any outward bowing, which might otherwise occur at the creases caused by fold lines 548.

I claim:

1. A tubular carton comprising a tubular wall of fairly stiff flexible sheet material having a predetermined end configuration, at least one removable lid of said fairly stiff flexible sheet material having said predetermined configuration of said tubular wall, pairs of laterally spaced projections disposed a short distance within and substantially perpendicular to said end to provide a circular array of indentations between said projections in each of said pairs, the edge of said lid being flexibly engaged within said indentations for removably closing said end of said container, a band of sheet material is attached within said end of said tubular wall, a row of elongated slots in an intermediate portion of said band, said band having intermediate sections disposed inbetween said slots, said intermediate sections of said band being attached in contact with the inside of said end of said tubular wall, and the length of said band being at least as long as the developed length of the portion of said tubular wall to which it is attached whereby the portions of said band coextensive with said slots bow inwardly within said end of said tubular wall and comprise said projections.

2. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 1 wherein said band comprises a longitudinal extension of said tubular wall which is folded and attached within said end of said tubular wall.

3. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 2 wherein score lines are provided in said band extending approximately from the ends of said slots to the adjacent edges of said band whereby the bowed portions of said band are maintained in the vicinity of said slots.

4. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 3 wherein said score lines are tapered inwardly from the edges of said slots to the adjecent edges of said band.

5. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 4 wherein a supplemental end flap is provided adjacent said band, and said end flap is folded under said band and in contact with said wall to help stiffen the innermost bowed portions.

6. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 1, wherein a fastening means connects opposite sides of said removable lid to said ends of said tubular wall whereby the security of said carton is improved.

7. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 6, wherein said fastening means comprises a pair of tabs on said lid and fasteners securing said tabs to said ends of said tubular wall.

8. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 7 wherein said tubular wall has a diametrically opposite pair of fold lines upon which it is collapsed flat prior to assembly, and said fasteners and tabs being secured to ends of said tubular wall on said fold lines to maintain the roundness of said carton.

9. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 6, wherein said fasteners comprise staples.

10. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 6, wherein said lid comprises a pair of lid sections, said lid sections being connected by a severable junction, and each of said lid sections being connected to one of said fastening means whereby they'are hinged to said carton when said junction is severed.

11. A tubular carton as set forth in claim wherein one of said lid sections is subtantially larger than the other.

12. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 1 1, wherein ger grip.

13. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 12, wherein said severable junction comprises a curved perforated line.

14. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 13, wherein said fastening means comprise a tab on each of said lid sections on opposite sides of said lid.

15. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tubular wall is tapered along its longitudinal axis a sufficient distance to nest the top of one carton and the bottom of another to facilitate stack nesting of said cartons.

16. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 15, wherein the tapering is constructed and arranged to nest a smaller bottom of one carton within the larger top of 

1. A tubular carton comprising a tubular wall of fairly stiff flexible sheet material having a predetermined end configuration, at least one removable lid of said fairly stiff flexible sheet material having said predetermined configuration of said tubular wall, pairs of laterally spaced projections disposed a short distance within and substantially perpendicular to said end to provide a circular array of indentations between said projections in each of said pairs, the edge of said lid being flexibly engaged within said indentations for removably closing said end of said container, a band of sheet material is attached within said end of said tubular wall, a row of elongated slots in an intermediate portion of said band, said band having intermediate sections disposed inbetween said slots, said intermediate sections of said band being attached in contact with the inside of said end of said tubular wall, and the length of said band being at least as long as the developed length of the portion of said tubular wall to which it is attached whereby the portions of said band coextensive with said slots bow inwardly within said end of said tubular wall and comprise said projections.
 2. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 1 wherein said band comprises a longitudinal extension of said tubular wall which is folded and attached within said end of said tubular wall.
 3. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 2 wherein score lines are provided in said band extending approximately from the ends of said slots to the adjacent edges of said band whereby the bowed portions of said band are maintained in the vicinity of said slots.
 4. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 3 wherein said score lines are tapered inwardly from the edges of said slots to the adjecent edges of said band.
 5. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 4 wherein a supplemental end flap is provided adJacent said band, and said end flap is folded under said band and in contact with said wall to help stiffen the innermost bowed portions.
 6. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 1, wherein a fastening means connects opposite sides of said removable lid to said ends of said tubular wall whereby the security of said carton is improved.
 7. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 6, wherein said fastening means comprises a pair of tabs on said lid and fasteners securing said tabs to said ends of said tubular wall.
 8. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 7 wherein said tubular wall has a diametrically opposite pair of fold lines upon which it is collapsed flat prior to assembly, and said fasteners and tabs being secured to ends of said tubular wall on said fold lines to maintain the roundness of said carton.
 9. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 6, wherein said fasteners comprise staples.
 10. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 6, wherein said lid comprises a pair of lid sections, said lid sections being connected by a severable junction, and each of said lid sections being connected to one of said fastening means whereby they are hinged to said carton when said junction is severed.
 11. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 10 wherein one of said lid sections is subtantially larger than the other.
 12. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 11, wherein said smaller lid section includes a hole to provide a finger grip.
 13. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 12, wherein said severable junction comprises a curved perforated line.
 14. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 13, wherein said fastening means comprise a tab on each of said lid sections on opposite sides of said lid.
 15. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tubUlar wall is tapered along its longitudinal axis a sufficient distance to nest the top of one carton and the bottom of another to facilitate stack nesting of said cartons.
 16. A tubular carton as set forth in claim 15, wherein the tapering is constructed and arranged to nest a smaller bottom of one carton within the larger top of another. 